MicroCT analysis of archaeological parenchyma identifies underground storage organs from late Holocene contexts at Birriwilk rockshelter, Manilikarr Country, northern Australia

MicroCT analysis of archaeological parenchyma fragments has identified Aboriginal exploitation of underground storage organs (USOs) at Birriwilk rockshelter, Arnhem Land, northern Australia. A variety of USO types were identified from late Holocene contexts, including bulbs/corms, dicotyledon primary/tap roots and monocotyledon stem tubers. The range of USOs exploited is consistent with ethnographic accounts of plant exploitation practices by Aboriginal communities in this region. Although lacking taxonomic specificity, these results demonstrate the value of using microCT to investigate charred archaeological parenchyma in order to understand past human use of soft-tissue, plant storage organs.